Myanmar is a mysterious country in Southeast Asia, where time seemed to freeze many centuries ago, leaving its beauty, traditions and numerous attractions of Myanmar unshakeable. Only recently, the years of self-isolation of this country have sunk into the past, and the modest flow of tourists has gradually begun to grow and gain momentum. Fans of real travel and vivid adventures will certainly find something to see in Myanmar – it’s a unique architecture that conveys the rich history of the country, and centuries-old traditions, and pristine nature, striking in its beauty, and the ethnic diversity of the inhabitants, and abundant national cuisine.
What to see in Myanmar first of all
The list of the main attractions should start with the main value personifying the whole of Myanmar – numerous Buddhist shrines. That is why, when choosing what to see in Myanmar in 1 day, it is worth taking a trip to the main temples and monasteries of the country – they are the ones who open the rating of Myanmar’s attractions.
1. Yangon City
Yangon City – restaurant-ship Loaf in the sunset
Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, which was once its capital, opens the best sights. Now Yangon is called the cultural capital of the country, because there are a huge number of museums, cultural and architectural monuments concentrated here. You will have to work hard on choosing what to visit in Myanmar in the first place, if you find yourself in Yangon. After all, to explore all the interesting places concentrated in this city, sometimes one trip is not enough. One of the traditional symbols of the city has become the Shwedagon stupa with a history dating back more than 2.5 thousand years.
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2. Temples in Bagan (Pagan)
The Valley of ancient temples and pagodas in Bagan
Among the most unusual places to visit in Myanmar, guides in Myanmar will definitely give recommendations to see with their own eyes the temples in Bagan, the capital of the ancient kingdom, which was once located on these lands. Today, on the site of the ancient city there is a valuable archaeological zone with thousands of temples, monasteries, stupas, pagodas, most of which were built in the 11th-13th centuries. During the dry season, the shrines are restored, and during the rainy season, the entire territory is covered with lush greenery, and it seems as if all the ancient buildings are buried in the jungle. This place can be included in the top of the most beautiful places on the planet!
3. Shwedagon Pagoda
The unique architecture of the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda
The giant brick stupa, 98 meters high, is perhaps the most impressive landmark in Myanmar for its size and richness of decoration. It stands majestically on the hill of Yangon, almost all covered with gold, and only monks and male visitors can enter inside. It took an incredible amount of gold to finish the Shwedagon – about 8 tons, and its top is decorated with precious stones. The stupa is surrounded by other small pagodas, there are 64 of them in total, there are also tauzangs, which contain numerous images of the Buddha.
Official website: https://www.shwedagonpagoda.com.mm
4. Thatbyinnyu Temple
View of the massive and majestic Tatbinyu Temple
Another majestic and tallest temple of Bagan is Tatbinyu, built in 1150. In the Middle Ages, this pagoda was an entire monastic complex, which included, in addition to the monastery on the first tier, also a library on the second tier, and a sanctuary with a stupa in the uppermost array. There is the most common assumption that the construction of Tatbinyu took place during the transitional period of Bagan architecture, which explains some inharmonious features of its execution.
5. Chaittiyo Pagoda (Golden Stone)
Chaittiyo Pagoda and Golden Stone at Sunset
This small but very famous shrine is located in the state of Mon. The pagoda is famous for numerous reviews from visitors who enthusiastically share their impressions of the stone, on top of which the structure is located. The fact is that a stone covered with gold leaf literally hangs on the edge of a cliff, but does not fall, contrary to all physical laws. Legend has it that this stone is held on the edge by the Buddha’s hair. Around the sanctuary on the mountain there is a whole complex for the accommodation of pilgrims. There are severe restrictions on the territory of the pagoda – Gentiles cannot stay near the Golden Stone at night, and women cannot approach the saints at all by less than 10 meters.
Feel the atmosphere of Myanmar in this beautiful video!
6. Chautaji Pagoda (Recumbent Buddha)
Ancient and large Reclining Buddha Statue in Chautaji Pagoda Colegota
Most people are used to seeing Buddha figures depicted sitting in the lotus position. It is rare to find an enlightened person lying on his side – this position represents the moment of his earthly demise and the transition to nirvana. One of the largest statues of the reclining Buddha is located in the Chhauthaji Pagoda in Yangon. The age of this ancient sculpture is about a millennium old, and the dimensions are even more impressive: the length is about 55 meters, the height is about 15 meters. This impressive landmark of Myanmar has undergone repeated restorations, the last of which was carried out in 1966.
7. Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda surrounded by Buddhist shops
Right in the heart of Yangon, at the intersection of the main streets of the city, there is an impressive 48-meter Soule stupa. According to some descriptions, the age of this structure is about 2 millennia. The pagoda stands on a massive 8-carbon base – the number of sides of the pagoda corresponds to the number of days in a week. The fact is that supporters of Buddhism divide the week not into 7, but into 8 days, Wednesday is divided into a “day” before sunset and a “day” after it. Each side has its own statue of the Buddha. Everyone who comes to worship the Teacher chooses his Buddha according to the day on which he was born, and it is to him that he offers worship.
8. The Royal Palace of Mandalay
Beautiful panoramic view of the Mandalay Royal Palace
When choosing where to go in Myanmar, in addition to the numerous pagodas, it is worth paying attention to the Royal Palace of Mandalay, which is located 150 kilometers northeast of Bagan. Sometime in the 19th century, the palace was built of teak wood and served as the residence of the kings of Burma. However, at one time it was defeated by Japanese aircraft, and all that can be seen now is a new model. Of the former structures, only the fortress walls have been preserved. Today there is a museum in the main building, where you can see the royal throne and the monarch’s bed.
9. Mingun Paya Stupa
The entrance to the unfinished stupa in Mingun
Near Mandalay, in the Mingun settlement, there is the largest unfinished pagoda – Mingun Paya. The construction of the stupa promised to break all records – the structure was to become the largest pagoda in the world, and its height was to reach one and a half hundred meters. But the construction was never completed, and there are two versions explaining this point. According to the first version, the king was destined to die immediately after the completion of construction, and according to the second, there simply were not enough funds for construction. Whatever it was, the stupa remained only one-third built.
10. The ancient city of Mrauk-U (Mrauk U)
The ancient city of Mrauk-U lost in the jungle
Mrauk-U is one of the largest ancient cities, once a major seaport, where merchants from all over the world flocked. Since the ancient city attracts many visitors, all conditions are created here for visitors to the country. For example, you can wander through souvenir shops, take photos, visit local shops and mini-restaurants where local and European cuisine is presented. But most tourists still go to Mrauk-U to see the extraordinary ancient pagodas, which are particularly massive and strong walls here – the temples were built so that, on occasion, they could withstand the longest siege.
11. Damayanji Buddhist Temple
Damayanji Buddhist Temple among lush greenery Paul Mannix
Among all the attractions of Myanmar, the Damayanji Temple enjoys special honor. According to the dowry, the construction was carried out under King Naratu, who killed his father to come to power. And in order to atone for his bloody sin, he decided to build a huge pagoda. Today Damayanji is the largest temple in Bagan and is available for tours. But only the outer galleries of the temple and 4 balconies are open for inspection, while the inner rooms are walled up for unknown reasons.
12. Taung Kalat Monastery (Mount Popa)
Ascent to the Taung Kala Monastery by a stone staircase cut into the rock
At the top of Mount Popa, which is a dormant volcano, stands a beautiful spiritual landmark of Myanmar – the Taung Kalat Monastery. The building itself is an example of an exceptionally harmonious combination of human work and the creation of nature. The dormant volcano, the last eruption of which occurred several millennia ago, is now viewed from afar – its peak can be seen several tens of kilometers away. Today, the monastery attracts countless streams of pilgrims, being one of the most revered sanctuaries in the country and in the world. In order to get inside, you initially need to climb up a long staircase of 777 steps.
13. The Mingong Bell
Mingong Active Bronze Bell BlackNose
Mentioning what to see in Myanmar, it is impossible to ignore the huge bell in the village of Mingun, which is the second largest in the world. The history of its existence dates back 2 centuries – it was cast for the huge Pathodauji pagoda. The alloy for the bell was made by local craftsmen according to a special recipe, from five metals, which even included silver and gold. The bell was mounted on strong supports, which were later damaged by the earthquake. The pillars collapsed, but the bell remained unscathed, and today anyone can strike the bell so that it overshadows the surroundings with its pure deep sound.
14. Pindaya Caves
Covered staircases to the caves of Pindaya
The small town of Myanmar, Pindaya, is famous for its caves, located on a hill a couple of kilometers from the city center, and revered as the most important Buddhist shrine. Stairs-galleries lead from all sides to the entrance to the caves, passing along which you can admire the excellent views of the surrounding park. The caves themselves are more than 1.5 kilometers long and have many branches. Passing through the labyrinths of caves between countless stone sculptures of the Buddha, visitors find themselves in beautiful halls with underground lakes, hanging stalactites and amazing Buddhist altars.
15. The Irrawaddy River
Lokannanda Pagoda on the banks of the Irrawaddy River
The Great South Asian River, the largest in Myanmar, is the Irrawaddy River. In the old days, the Irrawaddy became the basis for the emergence of civilizations that had a major impact on the culture of the East. For centuries, this river has been the most important waterway and the basis of life for the population, and is used as a transport, trade route, source of food and drink. Traveling through the Irrawaddy is a unique chance to see the life of local peoples from the inside, as well as visit the most interesting places and important sights of Myanmar, located in nearby settlements.
Sights of Myanmar: what else to visit in Myanmar
The attractive power of Myanmar with its magical sights is great. But in addition to historical and cultural, there is a great variety of natural attractions in Myanmar – numerous mountain ranges and plateaus, picturesque river valleys, caves, lakes. Myanmar’s nature is filled with the energy of life. Below is an overview of what to see in Myanmar for those who managed to get their first impressions of exploring the country.
16. Wooden bridge of Ubain
Wooden teak bridge over Lake Tauntome
Ubain, which is the longest and oldest wooden bridge, has become one of the symbols of Myanmar. The date of the bridge’s construction is unknown today, but presumably it was 1850. Teak wood was used for the construction of the structure. The length of the bridge is 1200 m, and it consists of 2 parts docked at a slight angle. Today it is a popular tourist destination and the most famous attraction in Myanmar. Once here, you can buy various souvenir paraphernalia, sit on the covered veranda, walk along the bridge.
17. Inle Lake
Village and boats on Inle Lake
What to see in Myanmar to get to know the traditions of the local population firsthand? Perhaps the best place for this is the amazingly beautiful freshwater lake Inle, which attracts not only with its landscapes, but also with the unusual lifestyle of the indigenous people. Local tribes build houses on bamboo stilts, use their own way of fishing, weave clothes from lotus stalks, make jewelry, arrange vegetable gardens on islands of brushwood, and many other things that can only be found here. In the center of the unique lake there is another interesting attraction – the Monastery of Jumping Cats. Several monks living there teach the tailed ones to perform amazing and very difficult tricks.
18. Ngapali Beach
Calm sea and soft sand of Ngapali beach
Ngapali Beach is a strip of pure white sand, along which the best and most modern hotels in Myanmar are lined up. Here you can enjoy the warm sea, the gentle sun, go diving or stroll through the coconut plantations of nearby villages. Fishermen conduct their simple fishing in the neighborhood of vacationers here, and in general, the locals are very friendly to every tourist as a person with whom you can have a cordial conversation, even limiting yourself to a meager supply of English words. And local hotel restaurants offer a wide selection of exotic dishes from the freshest seafood.
19. Tattooed women of the Chin tribe
The faces of Chin tribe women with a tattoo in the form of a spider web dany13
The faces of the Chin women are completely covered with a network of tattoos. The tradition of getting a tattoo on a face is a thing of the past, and about 50 years ago it was banned by the authorities of the country. Therefore, unusual tattoos today can only be found on the faces of very elderly women. It is believed that the Chin people have always had girls of amazing beauty, who were admired by neighboring tribes. Therefore, it was not uncommon for beautiful Chin representatives to be abducted. The life of the Chin tribe is extremely simple – they live without electricity, farm, weave blankets and hunt buffalo.
20. Thingyan Water Festival
Participants of the Tinjan Water Festival in Myanmar Flightspeed
What is definitely worth seeing in Myanmar is Tinjan, a vibrant mass celebration, a festival that takes place for 3 days in April, at the end of the dry season. The main tradition of Tinjan is the mass pouring of water as a sign of the beginning of the rainy season. For the locals, this is an important and special holiday, when even the most calm Burmese people indulge in fun, pouring water on everyone around them, washing away all the sins and failures of the past year. Festive processions reach a special scale in Yangon, where entire dance floor stages are installed, music is playing loudly, and the city turns into “the world’s largest soul.”
Myanmar’s historical and religious sites are the foundation that will make up the future of tourism in this country. Excursions to Myanmar are still in the development stage, and therefore you should go here for impressions as soon as possible, while these lands still preserve their pristine state. For those who live in the spirit of adventure, there is simply no better place to travel. While in Myanmar, think about visiting Thailand, which is nearby. Read about the sights of Thailand and get inspired for your further journey through Southeast Asia!
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